Just a short stroll from North Hobart main drag and directly opposite The Friends’ School, Abercrombie Coffee is the kind of place you stumble upon once and then keep coming back to. Since opening its doors in July 2024, this charming neighbourhood cafe has quietly become a local favourite. And it’s easy to see why.
If you’re on the hunt for a really good brew, this North Hobart gem should be on your list.
Turning one this month, Abercrombie isn’t just a specialty coffee cafe – it’s a place where beans meet brilliance, and community finds a home. We went in for one of their delicious brews and ended up having a good old chat about their first year.
‘You’re in good hands’
Run by seasoned coffee pros Duncan Allen (formerly of Pilgrim Group) and Peter Ladyman (Audrey Coffee, Marla Singer), Abercrombie is the result of over 30 years of experience and a whole lot of dedication.
“We’ve poured everything we love about coffee into this space,” says Duncan – and it shows, from the first sip to the last.
The house espresso is the Synergy blend by local legends Villino Coffee, and for those who are familiar, it tastes different. Duncan, part barista and part coffee alchemist, has brought a kind of wizardry that somehow makes the familiar taste totally new. Honestly – a must try.
For those who like their coffee with a side of exploration, there’s a curated selection of ethical roasters from near and far. Rotating single origin espressos and specialty grade filters offer a chance to taste high grade coffee from across the globe – right here in old Hobart!
But it’s not just about what’s in the cup.
“We know most people don’t have time to think about the coffee supply chain,” Duncan says, “but we do, and we want to make sure it’s fair, ethical, and future-proof.”
The team is deeply committed to sustainable sourcing, fair wages, and making sure every brew supports the people behind it. It’s coffee with conscience, prepared with consistent care.
What’s the story behind the name?
The cafe’s name is a nod to Duncan’s great-grandfather, Sir Patrick Leslie Abercrombie, the town planner who reimagined post-war London. The cafe’s logo draws from his hand-drawn map of the city, with rich colours and the bold squiggle of the Thames running through it. Simply divine!
Image credits: @Abercrombie_Coffee
A space that feels like home
The team isn’t just serious about coffee either – they’re dedicated to ensuring they create a space for people to find solstice, reflect and connect.
Dogs chill outside, sunlight streams through the big glass windows, coffee aromas fill the air with the gentle hum of conversation. It’s the kind of place where friends gather before work, parents swing by after school drop-off and students and teachers pop over for an afternoon pick me up.
A neighbourhood cafe in the truest sense – so welcomed in Hobart’s growing patchwork of local gems.
Local loyalty
On the menu at Abercrombie Coffee, you’ll be sure to find beloved community favourites on rotation, like pastries from Pigeon Whole Bakers and Six Russell Bakes, served alongside their house-made brekky rolls and seasonal sandwiches.
In a recent collaboration with Tom McHugo’s, they brought back a cherished piece of Hobart’s culinary history – the iconic Brewers Malt Pie. Over Easter, they teamed up with Lark Distillery to offer festive seasonal specials, adding a playful twist to their menu.
For those in the know, the cult-favourite Basque Moons cheesecake continues to make a regular appearance, much to the delight of loyal fans. Keep an eye on their socials so you don’t miss out on future collaborations and limited-edition offerings.
Over in the retail section, you’ll find a curated selection of coffee beans from a rotating lineup of roasters, along with brewing gear, stylish keep cups, and handcrafted wares from local artisans (wooden spoons, tiny ceramic houses).
Very good treats, for very good dogs
Abercrombie Coffee is a proud supporter of Guide Dogs Tasmania, with all cafe tips going directly to support the organisation. Beyond donations, the cafe plays an active role in raising puppies-in-training, offering a welcoming space for both the dogs and their future handlers to learn and grow.
Duncan and partner Zofia, are also passionate volunteers, involved in guide dog training and are working closely with VisAbility Tasmania to ensure the cafe space is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Now, Abercrombie Coffee is rolling out something special for its furry regulars: limited-edition Abercrombie dog bandanas – designed for very good dogs with very good taste.
Every pup who wears one to the cafe will be treated to a free pup cup on the house, every time they visit. $5 from every bandana sold goes directly to Guide Dogs Tasmania, supporting the incredible work they do in helping Tasmanians with low vision or blindness live more independently.
Image credit: @Abercrombie_Coffee
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee nerd or just curious about your daily dose, Abercrombie Coffee is the perfect nook, ideal for a post-school drop-off, a pre-Hill Street grocery run, or simply as a destination in its own right.
Just one year in, Abercrombie and already a standout – North Hobart is lucky to have this neighbourhood gem.
Here’s to many more!
Image credits: Samuel Shelley, Emily Toone.
Find Abercrombie Coffee
📍 431 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
🐾 Dog-friendly | ♿ Accessible | ❤️ Community-focused
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